A powerful storm system moving across the western United States is bringing intense weather conditions, with the Sierra Nevada expected to dump up to two feet of snow by Sunday. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for parts of Central California, warning that snow accumulations could reach up to 14 inches in some areas, accompanied by wind gusts of up to 45 mph.
The National Weather Service office in Hanford has issued a winter storm warning covering areas including Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park. Warning in effect until Sunday 11:00 PM PDT.
“Additional snow accumulations of up to 14 inches are expected,” with winds gusting up to 45 miles per hour, NWS Hanford said. Officials warned that “whiteout conditions are expected” with visibility dropping below a quarter of a mile, making travel “treacherous and potentially life-threatening”.
Rain, snow spread across the west
The NWS said precipitation will spread inland across the Great Basin and into the Pacific Northwest by Monday. Elevated snow and low-lying rain will taper off Monday night into Tuesday across the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies.
As the system moves toward the Desert Southwest and Four Corners, scattered showers and snow are expected to develop at high elevations Monday through Tuesday.
Severe storms in central and northern US
Across the central U.S., another low-pressure system is set to track across the northern plains and join a cold front plunging into the Great Lakes, the weather forecaster said.
This setup is expected to produce strong to severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes through Sunday. Thunderstorm activity, including embedded thunderstorms, will also affect northern New England through Monday before tapering off.
Severe weather resumed
The NWS warned that the threat of severe weather will continue into Monday, especially in central Texas, while a new round of storms is expected to develop across the Upper Midwest later in the day.
This renewed threat is related to a developing wave of low pressure along the frontal boundary, with storms and heavy rain expected to move east into the Great Lakes Monday night into Tuesday morning.
Temperature extremes ahead
The forecaster said warm air will surge eastward in the coming days, raising the potential for record temperatures in parts of the Mid-Atlantic, southeastern United States, Mississippi Valley and Ohio Valley by Tuesday.
Meanwhile, gradual cooling is expected across the western US as unsettled weather continues under the influence of an ongoing storm system.
Travel advisory issued
The National Weather Service has urged residents of affected areas, especially mountainous areas of California, to delay travel if possible. If travel is unavoidable, drivers are advised to take extra care, prepare for sudden drops in visibility and ensure vehicles are winter-ready.
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